The Farnborough International Airshow was opened by a flypast by the RAF’s display team the Red Arrows with a brand new F-35 – the RAF’s next generation jet fighter. The event saw billions of dollars worth of business orders announced, with hot competition between Boeing and Airbus in the airliner market, as well as other civil and military aviation companies from around the world. The weather was overcast with patchy drizzle, and was hit by a torrential rainstorm after just a few display aircraft had flown. The showground flooded in places and some water even entered the trade halls leading to the power being shut down and the buildings evacuated. Eventually the whole show day was cancelled with all visitors asked to leave for their own safety. Only the Airbus A380, A350 and A400M had managed to display before the storm hit.

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The trade days at Farnborough provide an opportunity for the aerospace industry to promote their products to potential customers, from gargantuan Airbus A380s to the smallest component. The major aircraft manufacturers announce their latest sales in front of the press, often amounting to many billions of dollars, and host visiting dignitaries and purchasing representatives from countries around the world.

Airbus debuted their A350, and Boeing their 787-9, whilst Lockheed Martin failed to follow suit with their much vaunted F-35 after the type suffered issues in the US.